Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

Massive New Lunar Crater Discovered

A recently formed crater, the largest of its kind in the solar system, has been identified on the Moon, offering a rare chance to study impact dynamics.

The crater, named McGetchin, appeared between April 11 and May 22, 2024. It measures 728 feet wide and 141 feet deep, likely formed by an asteroid or comet.

Such an impact occurs on the Moon about once every 132 years. The LRO mission captured pre- and post-impact images, aiding the study.

Thermal imaging shows a cooler area around the crater due to disturbed regolith, impacting heat retention.

Ejected material spread over 75 miles, highlighting the wide effects of impacts, crucial for future lunar exploration.

Understanding these impacts is vital for NASA's plans for a long-term human presence on the Moon.

The Moon lacks an atmosphere, making it vulnerable to impacts. Newer craters are often too small to study effectively.

This discovery is a statistically rare, "once-in-a-lifetime observation" for lunar scientists.

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